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Posted by: christine_rumleskie on 11/12/2008 04:05 PM
Updated by: furlong on 11/12/2008 04:05 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM

Best Buddies bond over dodgeball

Volunteers sell snacks at the Best Buddies dodgeball tournament. Over $500 was raised.

The Best Buddies club organized an action-packed game of dodgeball for a good cause.

By Christine Rumleskie
theclaw.ca

An out-of-control ball flies into the audience, barley missing an onlooker's head. Team members scream, then laugh, as another ball is thrown. The audience members act as cheerleaders, wildly giving each team support by cheering and clapping.

This was the scene at the Best Buddies dodgeball tournament in the Nipissing Gym. The tournament was a huge success with nine teams and 75 supporters raising a ruckus stands.

The event's goal was to raise money for Right to Play, an organization which teaches Africa’s youth fairness, teamwork, and fun, through play. The estimated $500 raised through the team fees; sponsorships will go toward Right to Play’s various projects and equipment.

One of the volunteers who helped plan the event, campus co-ordinator Heather Dufresne, was gratified by the turnout.

“I had a huge smile on my face throughout the entire game. I can’t believe, in our first year, that we have accomplished what we have accomplished!” Dufresne said.

Best Buddies started at Nipissing and Canadore in September, 2006. It is an international organization that teams people up with individuals who have a physical or intellectual disability; the result is often lasting friendships. The non-profit program was formed in the United States in 1987, rapidly spread, and in 1995, the first Best Buddies Canada was formed.

The on-campus club is run by volunteers, and works hand in hand with the ACL. Once the ACL finds an individual in need, Best Buddies steps in and finds students who wish to volunteer.

In only seven months, the program paired up 15 buddies. Students are required to meet their buddy twice a month, and call each other once a week.

“Going out doesn’t have to cost students anything,” Dufresne explained. “Students can go for walks with their buddies, or take them to free skating.”

The dodgeball tournament was the ideal buddy-date. Admission was free, but the game was action-packed.

Sarah Ellaine Milkintas was there with her buddy, Kevin Sheppard. Milkintas said that having a buddy is tremendously rewarding.

“It’s so nice to hang out with someone different. I hope I am making a difference in his [Kevin’s] life,” Milkintas said.

Before she could finish, Kevin jumped in, interrupting enthusiastically.

“She is. She really makes a difference,” Kevin said.

Being a buddy has changed Milkintas for the better. She said the whole experience has made her a much more patient person.

The buddies remained in the audience the entire morning to cheer on teams like The Shakers, The Movers, and the Best Buddies 4 Life.

Winner of the tournament was the team known as ‘If You Can Dodge a Wrench, You Can Dodge a Ball.” The team received their name on an annual plaque, along with some memorable ribbons.

In the years to come, Best Buddies plan to recruit more members, and hold more events similar to the dodgeball tournament. The club agreed to name the yearly event the Annual Friendship Tournament. Dufresne urges anyone who is interested in the club’s events, or in being a buddy, to email her at nusu_csrc_bestbuddies@yahoo.ca.